Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Disciples of Christ" refers to the followers of Jesus Christ who were personally chosen and taught by Him during His earthly ministry. The word "disciple" comes from the Greek word "mathētēs," meaning a learner or pupil. In the New Testament, the disciples are primarily the twelve men whom Jesus called to follow Him closely, but the term can also extend to other followers who adhered to His teachings.
The Twelve ApostlesThe most prominent group of disciples are the Twelve Apostles, who were selected by Jesus to be His closest companions and to carry on His mission after His ascension. Their names are listed in several passages, including
Matthew 10:2-4,
Mark 3:16-19, and
Luke 6:13-16. The Berean Standard Bible records in
Matthew 10:2-4: "These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him."
Other DisciplesBeyond the Twelve, the New Testament mentions other disciples who played significant roles in the early church. Notable among them are the seventy-two disciples sent out by Jesus in
Luke 10:1-24. These individuals were commissioned to preach the kingdom of God and perform miracles in His name. The BSB states in
Luke 10:1: "After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit."
Characteristics of DiscipleshipDiscipleship in the New Testament is characterized by a commitment to follow Jesus, learn from His teachings, and emulate His life. Jesus emphasized the cost of discipleship, stating in
Luke 9:23 : "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." This call to self-denial and sacrifice underscores the seriousness of being a disciple.
The Role of DisciplesThe disciples were entrusted with the Great Commission, as recorded in
Matthew 28:19-20 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This mandate highlights the disciples' role in spreading the gospel and establishing the early church.
Legacy of the DisciplesThe legacy of the disciples is evident in the growth and spread of Christianity throughout the world. Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, continue to guide and inspire believers. The Acts of the Apostles details their missionary journeys, the establishment of churches, and the challenges they faced in proclaiming the gospel.
In summary, the Disciples of Christ, particularly the Twelve Apostles, were foundational to the Christian faith. Their lives and teachings remain a testament to their dedication to Jesus and their pivotal role in the history of the church.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 8:31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed;
Torrey's Topical TextbookJohn 15:8
Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... to rise and be the shepherd of the saints, but Christ. ... omit consideration of most
of the great names we have ... As to the former titles, they look for any account ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm
Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... glory in heaven, he is not unmindful of
his saints on earth ... Our high priest has all the names and wants of his people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm
Paul in Ephesus.
... All the saints and martyrs did not possess the power of performing miracles ... their
incantations, the heathens made use of some of the names and titles of the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm
To John the Oeconomus.
... But this common use of titles gives no offence to ... the Church, however, constantly
used the names of the ... style themselves the disciples' or the saints' or the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm
Acts XI
... special reference to character, they were called saints. ... of mystic Babylon, and the
swelling titles by which ... the obligations implied in the names disciple and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm
The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... them by endearing names, by the highest titles which they ... Mark, Luke, and John, by
their right names, but must ... one calling, you are both "called to be saints.". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm
Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Christ, His humility, [214]13, [215]204; His condescension ... 68; showed His authority
in changing names, [242]ib ... time and place of calling His disciples, [243]69 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm
Introduction
... of thousands, of the loose-living members whose names are now ... is why sinners
(Rom.3:19) and saints (Jas.2:12 ... Now the Divine titles are not used loosely, nor are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/introduction.htm
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... inward and spiritual fellowship of the saints, they become ... form of speaking, and
these profane titles, derive their ... of men and things their own names is not ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... To plead the efficacy of our old titles to our inheritance, if questionable because
of new sins-Saints do not ... for want of a distinct knowledge of Christ in all ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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